Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Center for High Order Plasma Turbulence Modeling for Z-Pinch (HighZ:  https://highz-fic.github.io), a Department of Energy (DOE), Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program (PSAAP) and Focused Investigatory Center (FIC) center, is seeking to hire a postdoctoral research associate in the broad areas of high performance computing and machine learning.  HighZ is focused on developing scalable high order methods, enhanced with surrogate models for subscale physics, for modeling of pinching plasmas.  This research associate will work with the Michigan State University (MSU) team to develop new scalable algorithms inside of the Parthenon framework, an AMR performance portable framework based on Kokkos and C++ supported by Los Alamos National Laboratory. At full strength there will be 7 PhD students and one postdoctoral research associate working on different aspects of this effort and integrating their work in Parthenon.

This is a one-year, benefits-eligible position that is potentially renewable on an annual basis contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Mathematics, physics, astrophysics, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

Completion of a Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, astrophysics, or a related area is required before Fall 2026.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of parallel programming and experience developing methods for 2D and 3D problems are critical.  Experience working with open source software frameworks and/or using modern open source code development methodology is highly desirable, as is experience with numerical methods pertaining to fluid dynamics or plasma physics.

Required Application Materials

Applicants MUST submit their application materials for the Research Associate job posting on Mathjobs.org at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/27558 to be considered.

A complete application includes a vita, a research statement the indicates their experience in any of the four focus areas, and at least 3 letters of recommendation.

Special Instructions

Under this National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) funded project, candidates with United States citizenship are preferred.  However, with approval from DOE-NNSA, citizens from outside of the United States will be considered.  Please contact Professor Andrew Christlieb if you wish to know more about this posting (christli@msu.edu).    Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025.  

Review of Applications Begins On

12/15/2025

Website

https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/27558

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.